Accommodation in Porto

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Porto is known to be Portugal's second most important city after Lisbon. But finding accommodation there is not as difficult as in the Portuguese capital city.

Expatriating to Porto definitely means that you will have to find accommodation. In fact, this should be one of your priorities even before you move there. Hence, it is recommended that you inquire on the city's neighborhoods as well as on its accommodation market. Note that it is easier to find accommodation in Porto than in Lisbon. Being Portugal's second most important city, it offers various accommodation options to foreigners.

Neighborhoods

Stretching over some 40 km² only, Porto has a population of about 250,000 inhabitants called Portuans. It is divided into different counties, namely Aldoar, Bonfim, Campanhã, Cedofeita, Foz do Douro, Lordelo do Ouro, and many others.

Aldoar is a dynamic and modern neighborhood, including Europe's biggest urban park. It also hosts green spaces, hence mixing rural and urban lifestyles. Bonfim, with its 50,000 inhabitants, concentrates services, banks and shops while São Nicolau, with some 10,000 inhabitants, is found in the maritime region. Ramalde, on the other hand, is one of Porto's most developed neighborhoods, with some 35,000 inhabitants and a booming real estate market. Once predominated by agriculture, it now hosts services and the secondary sector.

Campahna is very popular for its green spaces and forests as well as its coasts. Its population amounts to some 40,000 inhabitants. As for Cedofeita, it is a tourist region, with 30,000 inhabitants. It also hosts places of interest such as the Oliveira fountai, the Mouzinho Albuquerque Plaza, the Cedofeita Church which is dedicated to St Martin, etc. Lordelo do Ouro county, with its 25,000 inhabitants, leads to the Douro river.

You can also turn to Foz do Douro, which faces the Atlantic Ocean. It appears to be a seaside resort but it has a particularly dynamic real estate market, just like Miragaia, Nevogilde and Paranhos. Finally, Ribeira, found in the city center, has been listed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO for its ancient houses and cobbled streets which picture the historical and cultural Portugal. Santo Ildefonso, Vitória and Sé are also found in Porto's city center with some 10,000 inhabitants each.

Find accommodation

There are various ways to search for accommodation in Porto, namely via internet and classified ads in local newspapers. If you are already on the spot, you can as well register with a real estate agency or stroll around different neighborhoods to spot ''To Let'' or ''Aluga'' signs.

Lease

Rent prices in Porto are quite affordable as you can find a variety of accommodation options there. Once you have found the ideal accommodation, you will have to pay an advance rent which is equal to two to three month rent. You will also have to produce your identity card or passport, as well as your employment contract and your Portuguese tax identification number. A “fiador”, that is a guarantor, may also be required.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

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